Ferguson-Lees, James and David A. Christie. Raptors of the World. Princeton University Press, 2006. Field guide with 118 color plates illustrating 338 species in flight and perched. Maps. 320 pp. Paper. $29.95

This new field guide covers all of the world's kites, vultures, harriers, hawks, buzzards, eagles, and falcons. Based on essential sections of the widely acclaimed handbook Raptors of the World by the same authors, but with updated text, maps, and plates, it shows every species in a selection of different plumages, with concise facing texts and distribution maps. 320 pp. 118 color plates.

• A unique identification guide to all the world's raptors
• 118 color plates show 338 species in flight and perched
• Facing text summarizes size, confusion species, habitat, and behavioral and plumage differences
• Color distribution maps included for every species
• Ideal for use in the field, anywhere in the world

Illustrated by Kim Franklin, David Mead, Philip Burton, and Alan Harris.

Introductory chapters cover orders of raptor population sizes; raptor topography; measuring lengths and wingspans of raptors; sex and age differences in sizes and shapes of raptors; identifying raptors; raptor migration; molt patterns, age criteria and polymorphism; taxonomy, sequence and nomenclature of raptors, English names of raptors, and bibliography.

James Ferguson-Lees has been Editor of British Birds, President of the British Trust for Ornithology, a Committee Chairman and Deputy Director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and a Council Member and Records Committee Chairman of the British Ornithologists' Union. He is the author of several books, including The Shell Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland and Endangered Birds.

David A. Christie is Assistant Editor of British Birds. He is coauthor of a number of books, including the award-winning Woodpeckers.

Reviews:

"An astounding milestone in the history of ornithology."--World Birdwatch

"This is a major addition to the ornithologist's library."--Christopher Perrins, TLS